DJ explodes as third quarter domination leads Boomers to Game 1 victory

• Australia took Game 1 of the Trans-Tasman Throwdown series with a 12-point win over New Zealand
• Adelaide 36ers star Dejan Vasiljevic led the way with a game-high 23 points
• Reuben Te Rangi was the leading scorer for the Tall Blacks with 15 points

Australia overcame a slow start to secure a comfortable 80-68 victory against New Zealand in the opening game of the 2025 Trans-Tasman Throwdown series at a sold-out Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

The visitors started strongly, taking a 27-23 lead after the first quarter before extending their advantage to five points at halftime, leading 42-37.

The third quarter proved decisive as Australia flipped the script completely, outscoring New Zealand 23-9 in a dominant display. The Boomers' defensive intensity lifted dramatically, forcing New Zealand into difficult shots and creating transition opportunities. Australia maintained control in the final period, outscoring New Zealand 20-17 to seal the victory.

Dejan Vasiljevic was the standout performer, connecting on five-from-11 from beyond the arc as part of his game-high 23 points. His explosive scoring in the third quarter helped Australia build their largest lead of 19 points. Elijah Pepper provided valuable scoring off the bench with 16 points, including five-from-10 from three-point range.

Australia's balanced attack saw five players score at least five points, with Alex Glover adding 10 points and seven rebounds. The hosts dominated the glass, outrebounding New Zealand 49-46, including 15 offensive rebounds that led to 12 second-chance points. Harry Wessels controlled the paint with eight rebounds and seven points on efficient three-from-four shooting.

New Zealand struggled from long range, hitting just six-from-28 (21 percent) three-pointers compared to Australia's 13-from-37 (35 percent).

The visitors were led by captain Reuben Te Rangi's 15 points and eight rebounds, while Shea Ili added 12 points. Turnovers proved costly for New Zealand, committing 14 to Australia's 10, which the hosts converted into valuable points during their third-quarter surge.

"We had to set the tone, we all know what this rivalry is like, so I just got going and everyone followed which was good," Vasiljevic said in the post-game interview.

Game two will be on the Sunshine Coast on Friday night.